Although fairly new to the Canadian Path, 1st MAC’s passionate and committed Scouters’ allowed the Group to welcome 70% more youth than years previously.
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At the Core of Scouting — The Group
Empowering Groups through the Group Support Model
This year, Scouts Canada took an innovative approach to meeting the needs of Groups by launching the Group Support Model. Recognizing that Groups are at the core of Scouting, fulfilling our Mission of developing well-rounded youth who are better prepared for success in the world, the Group Support Model reflects Scouts Canada’s commitment to ensuring that every Group receives the support it needs.
- Provides a framework of consistent standards and resources, ensuring every Group Commissioner receives support.
- Newly created roles like the Relationship Managers and Group Support Scouters effectively mentor Groups.
- The Group Commissioner Orientation program launched to provide Group Commissioners with advanced skills to make the most impact.
- The Group Support Centre offers accessible and up to date resources, directly supporting approximately 600 Groups. Of these Groups, 170 have more youth participating in the program than last year.
With the new Group Support Model, Scouting is on the rise with 3% more youth having the opportunity to enjoy great, safe Scouting adventures.
A Growing Community
1st Whitehorse Group welcomes new youth and retains even more by hosting Bring-A-Friend events, organizing local marketing and keeping youth engaged.
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Discover how 1st Dawson Creek revived Scouting in their community.
Read the Full StoryStarting up in January, 2019 with two girls Sections – a Colony and Pack, 36th Green Timbers Muslim has since linked with another Group in Surrey to expand their access to unique Scouting adventures. From camping and fishing as a larger Group to learning how to plan outdoor adventures, 36th Green Timbers Muslim has provided exciting firsts for many.
A long-time passion of Group Commissioner Nadia Nadeem who was a Scout growing up in Pakistan. This was the only Muslim Scout Group in British Columbia and she wanted to provide her daughters and other girls in the Muslim community in Surrey an opportunity to learn leadership and outdoor skills.
Enhanced Mission Impact through Group Commissioner Orientation
Groups offer Scouting to youth in communities across Canada, and sustainable membership growth depends on having healthy Groups. Through the Group Commissioner Orientation program, over 330 participants so far have gained the advanced skills they need to make the most impact—by focusing on delivering a quality Scouting program, inspiring a team of engaged Scouters and effectively managing operations to carry out our Mission.
Showing positive outcomes already, 93% of Group Commissioners who participated in the program said they would recommend Group Commissioner Orientation to other Scouters as a quality development opportunity. More than 95% of participants agreed that the program has made them more confident in their role, and 95% said they felt equipped to immediately apply their new skills to improve their Group’s health.
The Group Commissioner Orientation program was made possible through the generosity of the Clark family, who chose this initiative for their bequest. Recognizing the importance of the Group Commissioner role for Scouting Groups, the Clark family believed that the program could have a large and sustainable impact on Scouting across Canada. Through the Clark family’s contribution and vision, the Group Commissioner Orientation program is helping to set Group Commissioners up for success in their role and has the opportunity to positively affect program quality and Scouter engagement in every single Group in Canada.
Group Commissioner Testimonials
Sherri Brady
9th Fort McMurray Group Commissioner
The Group Commissioner training has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of ways to accomplish a safe, fun, well-managed Scouting program.
Kyle Johnson
1st Wyoming Group Commissioner
This course helped me gain understanding and direction with Group management. The strategies developed from this course gave me the guidance to grow the Group. On a Group level, we are seeing more parent engagement, leadership growth (personal development and recruitment), retention, and Section numbers increased for this Scouting Year. Also, initial Scout Popcorn numbers are looking higher than last year.
The Group Commissioner training program is a huge asset for all Group Commissioners to have, regardless of the size of their Group or how long they have been in the role. It has been instrumental in showing me that the struggles our Group encounters are not unique, and gave me the support and tools I needed to encourage and grow my Group.